Yesterday Michigan voters approvedthe Michigan Civil Rights Initiative with nearly 60 percent of the vote. The initiative amends Michigan's state constitution to effectively end affirmative action in state agencies. The outcome is likely to have dramatic effects on the admissions and hiring practices of Michigan's higher-education institutions and attracted national attention from the higher-education community.
The proposal, which appeared on the ballot as Proposition Two, prohibits any state agency from practicing or operating affirmative-action or preferential selection programs based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin or gender.
The measure was fiercely debated. Opposition groups, led by the organization One United Michigan, argued the bill will close many avenues of minority advancement. Groups supporting the Michigan amendment included the American Civil Rights Coalition as well as the Center for Individual Rights. Both organizations have advocated similar legislative measures in other states.
"Proposal Two has far-reaching implications that many citizens may not even consider," said David Waymire, a spokesperson for One United Michigan. "Under the initiative, any efforts made by state or government programs to encourage women and minorities in the fields of education will be made illegal. Scholarships for specific ethnic groups will no longer be allowed."
Diane Schachterle, spokesperson for the American Civil Rights Coalition, said the initiative sought to fight discrimination.
"College admissions and government programs shouldn't be about the color of a person's skin,"
She added that the Coalition believes preference programs do not take into account other issues such as socio-economic factors and personal experience.
Waymire said the proposal is likely to reduce ethnic diversity in Michigan schools, putting them at a disadvantage.
"Diversity in schools is something that can benefit students in a growing multi-cultural world," Waymire said. "What big business will come to Michigan to hire students if [those students] have never interacted with an African-American or an Arab?"
Barry Toiv, a spokesperson for the Association of American Universities, said his organization was concerned about the implications of the bill for member universities.
"The Association is totally opposed to proposals of this kind, and we are deeply concerned."
The proposal is likely to restrict outreach and financial aid programs said Michael Boulus, executive director of the Presidents' Council for the State Universities of Michigan.
As Schachterle sees it many of the programs made illegal with the passage of the amendment infringed on individual rights without advancing the interests of needy students.
"Who deserves preference: a wealthy African-American female that went to the best schools because her father is a doctor, or a high-achieving, poor white male from a rural community?" Schachterle said.
Waymire said he thought the scope of the bill would extend far beyond the classroom.
"Hell, even Michigan university basketball programs will suffer as a result of the initiative's passing," Waymire said.
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